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EXPERIENCE Pappy's! Your Home for Unforgettable BBQ Flavors

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The Perfect Pairings: What Drinks Complement Your BBQ Best

The Best Drinks To Go With BBQ

We’ve shared lots of information about how to achieve the perfect smoke, and a lot of expert knowledge straight from the pitmasters here at Pappy’s. It’s about time we also shared the knowledge behind our drinks menu. From smoky Mescal to complementary Tequila, nothing on our drinks menu is there without a reason.

This is your guide to the perfect drinks pairing for your BBQ, so you can enjoy the flavours rather than smother them.

Mezcal vs Tequila

Mezcal and Tequila are both traditionally used to complement Texan BBQ, but in very different ways.

Understanding the difference is key.

While both are traditional Mexican spirits made from the agave plant, they have very different flavour profiles.

Mezcal is made from agaves roasted in underground pits, already creating symmetry with the smoker itself.

Boasting a rich flavour profile made from the earth, this spirit perfectly pairs with the natural smokiness of brisket bark and smoke ribs.

Complementary smoky flavours. Delicious BBQ.

Tequila, however, is made from Blue Weber agave. This specific agave gives crisper, more citrus notes.

Think fresh lime. Refreshing palate cleanser. Perfect pairing.

If you’re looking for a lighter pairing to act as a refreshing palate cleanser between heavier bites, tequila is the perfect choice.

Citrus First Cocktails

From the classic house margarita, to specialist fruity twists, there are lots of ways to incorporate tequila into an authentic Texan BBQ meal.

At Pappy’s we exclusively use tequila as the spirit of our classic margaritas.

Authentic flavours. Citrus twists.

From classics like the tequila sunrise, so our own dragon fruit and mango margarita, we incorporate complementary spirits with innovative flavours.

Tequila and lime remain the base of our classic margaritas, to always give that refreshing citrus twist.

That lovely palate cleanser pairs beautifully with a bite of brisket to lighten the deep smoky flavours.

Mezcal Margaritas

To complement the deeper, earthy notes of Mezcal, our Mezcal margaritas lean more into the smoky notes rather than stronger citrus flavours.

Deeper flavours. Always classically complimented with lime.

These stronger flavours won’t get lost behind chilli notes, flavourful BBQ sauce, or classically rich Texan BBQ rubs.

Great BBQ. Delicious cocktails. Authentic flavour.

To get the full flavour profile from any number of classic Texan BBQ dishes, a Mezcal margarita will do the trick.

The best way to experience an excellent smoke?

A hand-crafted margarita.

Iced Tea

Iced tea, especially sweet iced tea, is an absolute cultural classic for enjoying an authentic Texan BBQ.

Refreshing coolness. Sweet taste.

After enjoying our loaded fries or one of our renowned Tex-Mex Spicy Bean Burritos, a cool sip of iced tea gives just the right amount of coolness to cut through the spice.

If you still want that fruity flavour without the alcohol, our peach iced tea does just that.

Each bite, just like the first.

With each sip, the iced tea resets your mouth so each new bite of BBQ is just as delicious and flavourful as the first.

Classic plain iced tea. Peach iced tea. Classic Texan sweet iced tea.

There are options for everyone.

Cinco De Mayo, Pappy's Taco Bar, Tequila Shot
Bottles

From a selection of imported beers to a timeless apple cider, a crisp bottle alongside a well-cooked brisket or juicy pulled pork can’t be topped.

Lagers give that low hop bitterness that doesn’t try to compete with the smoky flavour of the meat.

Gentle supporting taste. Not overwhelming the classic BBQ experience.

IPAs do the opposite. Strong hop bitterness stands up to the more aggressive flavours of a chilli rub or peppery sauce.

Bold tang. Strong BBQ tastes.

Pale ales have a malt sweetness and mild hop sting that sit right in the middle.

Perfect balance. Complementary flavours.

Ciders are a classic pairing for pulled pork, with the tart apple flavour cutting right through the fat.

However you enjoy good BBQ food, a cold one is a classic for a reason.

Wine

Finally, different wines can pair well with a range of BBQ meats and dishes.

Red wine’s often stronger flavours can be softened by richer meats like briskets and burgers.

Intense flavours. Thick barks. Robust taste.

White wine is much lighter, often paired with creamier sauces and chicken-based BBQ dishes.

Crisp profile. Creamy sauces. Light flavour.

Rosé wine combines deep notes found in red wine with the light crispness of white wine, providing the perfect medium for a range of BBQ options.

Balanced notes. Versatile pairings. Reliably delicious.

Choosing the right wine for your specific BBQ dish is the best way to get the most out of your next smokehouse favourite.

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